The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. This train was being shunted across the viaduct when waters smashed through washing away several trucks sending the crew running for their lives.This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. It is connected to the history of the railway in East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of flooded railway yards with a train engine stranded on a small section of track surrounded by water and debris.on front - "1971 Flood, Railway Yards"floods-1971-orbost orbost-railway natural-disasters-orbost

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This basket was made at RVIB, possibly during the 1980s due it's lack of discolouration and good condition. 1 cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

This jumper is part of a General Purpose Uniform issued by the Australian Airforce to Bernard Farley during service. This uniform type was developed in 2014 and replaced camouflage as the uniform worn during general base duties and in non-warlike environments. Although a camouflage pattern, this design is not intended for use as camouflage. This woolen jumper was presumably a winter addition to the GPU.This item has social significance, as an item of uniform worn by Warrnambool RSL community member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. The item is a representative example of current Airforce General Purpose Uniform and is in excellent condition. As a set, the uniform has aesthetic significance in it’s design, incorporating GPU uniform design from the Army alongside the colours and motifs of the Australian Airforce. Navy blue ribbed knitted jumper with stitched navy cotton elbow patches, rectangular in shape. Similar rectangular shaped patches on the left and right shoulder, bearing two epaulettes, stiched at one end and fastened with velcro and the other. The left shoulder carries an Airforce embroidered patch at the top of the arm. Arm cuffs have external seam for approximately 100 mm from the end, indicating that the jumper may have been worn with cuffs folded over. Synthetic strip of black fabric on the interior collar behind a cream coloured label.Label on interior of collar reads: “CALCOUP KNITWEAR/291083/ 06/01 / 8405/661468799 / SIZE: 115cm-125cm/SERVICE No........./ NAME........../MACHINE WASHABLE GENTLE CYCLE/Fasten shoulder straps before/washing. Warm machine wash,/inside out on medium cycle./Do not bleach./Warm rinse. Normal spin./Doi not tumble dry./Dry in shade. Warm iron./ Dry Cleanable A/80% Wool 20% Nylon”camouflage, general purpose uniform, airforce, uniform, australian defence force

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. RVIB eventually closed down it's workshop production of materials in 2009 with the sale of the warehouse in High Street, Prahran and the movement of staff to Macaulay Road, Kensington.6 scanned images of basket making from RVIB annual reportsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Contract of sale of land dated 11th January, 1956 between Mr. W. S. Bond (vendor) and Mr. R. B. Scott (purchaser). Property: surface and down to a depth of 50 feet below the surface of that piece of land being lot 71 on plan of subdivision lodged in the office of titles No. 16993 being part of Crown allotment 441B section H Parish of Sandhurst city of Bendigo and situate Corner Neale & Burrell Streets, Bendigo, together with brick dwelling, all sundry outbuildings, all floor coverings, all blinds, all electric light fittings and shades, Hoover washing machine, all curtains except those in the 2 front rooms and electric stovette. Price: 3,950 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of land dated 25th August, 1956 between Mr. A. T. & Mrs. I. M. H. James (vendor) and Mr. J. H. Strange (purchaser). Property: lot 1 on plan of subdivision no. 19491 lodged in the office of titles being part of Crown allotment 24 Parish of Sandhurst County of Bendigo, land described in certificate of title volume 7646 folio 003 and situate Beischer Street, Bendigo, together with 5 roomed weatherboard dwelling, all sundry outbuildings, all floor coverings, blinds, curtains, Metro fridge, "Mettres" electric range, Hoover washing machine and all electric light fittings and shades. Price: 2,780 pounds. Attached 5 hand written notes .organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

A black and white photograph of one of the accommodation flats at the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville.A black and white photograph of one of the accommodation flats at the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville.Flat 2. Fruit Salad Farm, Gilbert's Gully/ MARysville. JAN 54 Kitchen/ Dining. Room/ Two bed.rooms/ Bathroom (Kero. HOT Shower)/ Woodshed Two. double beds./ Two single beds/ Use of Simpson Washing/ Machine + Hot./ Water Service Four flats 1 1 double 1 single/ 2 as above/ 3 1 double 2 singles/ 4 1 " 2 " V.L. KING. Propmarysville, victoria, australia, fruit salad farm, accommodation, restaurant, photograph

Queenstown (St. Andrews) District. Originally published in The Leader, Nov. 2nd, 1929, p30, with the title "Relics of the Old Mining days in the Queenstown District," a series of seven numbered photographs with captions : 1. Two Old-Timers, Brothers Tom and Alex McPhee, Camped on Back Creek. 2. Like the Caledonia, Every Yard of Queenstown Creek has been Washed. 3. Poppet Heads of the Caledonia Mine. 4. A Warning to Possible Land Buyers or Encouragement to Prospectors? 5. Mr. A. Harvey has been Prospecting the District, Washing a Loam, for Some Years. 6. John Olsen, of Smith's Gully, an Old-Timer, who is Shortly Going to Norway to Claim an Inheritance. 7. Queenstown Cemetery. - The Hills Form a Splendid Memorial to Many a Digger.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, queenstown, gold mining, a. harvey, alex mcphee, back creek, caledonia mine, john olsen, poppet heads, queenstown cemetery, queenstown creek, smiths gully, st. andrews, tom mcphee

A mangle or wringer is a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and, in its home version, powered by a hand crank or electrically. A household mangle/wringer could be attached to a bench for easier use. The washing process itself involved lifting the items from the cold soak and wringing or mangling each item before transferring them, with more soap flakes, into the copper for boiling. Items that remained soiled, even after an overnight soak, were rubbed on a scrubbing board before being transferred to the copper. The clothes mangle would be used to squeeze out all the excess water. Clothes would then be hung out to dry on a clothes line, or laid over a clothes-horse next to the kitchen or living room fire. This one was owned by the mother of Bob Clarke, an Orbost resident.This item is an example of the typical laundry equipment used by families in the Orbost district in the early 20th century.Clothes mangle [wringer] which has a wooden and metal turning handle. It has a ratchet and 2 tap screws for pressure. It has of two rollers in a frame, connected by cogs and is powered by a hand crank.On top - "No. Hardwood Rolls 124" Front - "Household Clothes Mangle Steel ball bearings The American Wringer Company New York USA"laundry wringer mangle

Scouring is the process that removes wool wax and other unwanted products from wool. Wool is washed in a hot detergent solution. It moves through a series of scouring bowls and is then rinsed and dried. Careful handling and washing preserves the strength and softness of wool. If the wool contains lots of seeds and other vegetable matter, it must be cabonized. This means it is treated with a solution of sulpheric acid and then baked at high temperature to remove impurities. The disused scouring water left-over from this process was often let drain into rivers and watercourses causing pollution. Many of Geelong's wool scours along the Barwon River were closed due to environmental damage. The race system on this bowl is not the original it has been modified with a variation of the harrow system. Used at E.P. Robinson South Geelong from c.1890-1970.Scouring bowl.J. Dyson & Sons Pty Ltd, Geelongsouring bowl, j dyson & sons, geelong, wool processing, e. p. robinson, textile industry, factory, mill

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket that would have been used for shopping or any household task requiring movement of multiple items. Cane baskets were the original green alternative to plastic shopping bags.1 cane basket with handleemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket could have been used as a rubbish bin or pot plant holder. It has a wide opening, with a combination of two weaves for decoration. The base is a piece of chipboard for strength, and has a decorative covering.1 cane basket with chipboard baseemployment

A colour slide of young men in the laundry of Blamey House, Burke Road Kew, in 1970. One slide shows a young man doing ironing. There are two washing machines visible. There 10 slides from the same roll of film, some are marked 'Blamey 1970'. Legacy ran residences to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of a Legacy residence supporting children of deceased servicemen.Colour slide x 2 of the laundry room of Blamey House in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' in yellow ink. Printed with slide date 'Feb70M3' and slide number '15' or '16' in black ink. Handwritten '8' or '9' in blue ink. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.residences, blamey house

Woollen jumper / pullover / jersey made for the Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society, mid 1980's featuring No. 26 and the words "Ballarat Vintage Tramway" embroidered onto the jumper. Both jumpers have full length sleeves. Two colours - red - size 16, just with label. Green - size 18 with a washing instructions label and a manufacturing label, "Unlimited Motifs", To fit Size 100 Chest 100cm / Pure New Wool (with the logo) and Made in Australia". Note: Green one taken by Dave O'Neil, pending return of an older green one at time of cataloguing. (This has not occurred at 9/11/15) Second green jumper - from Peter Winspur 6/2/2015 added 9/11/2015 - numbered 4573.2trams, tramways, btps, jumper, ballarat vintage tramway, 26

Starch is used during the laundry process to give fabric a feeling of stiffness. It is used often for linen, shirts and blouses. This box still has the remnants of starch inside it.Starch was used by many households in the late 19th and the 20th century to give linen and uniformsa firm feeling.Box: cardboard rectangular box, blue and white with star graphic. Contents inside. "The Silver Star Starch" Robert Harper and Co Ltd . "The Silver Star Starch" "Robert Harper &O Co."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, starch, silver star starch, blue star, robert harper and co ltd ., laundry, laundering, washing, bed linen, table linen, decorative linen

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.Views of Victoria (General Series) No.31 / ‘View of Sailor’s Creek Bridge’ / Albumen silver photograph mounted on boardOn Reverse" ‘Sailor’s Creek as situated in the Jim Crow Ranges, which Range forms a portion of the Great Dividing Range of Mountains in Victoria. These hills contain many romantic spots. The one which forms the subject of the present illustration is a view of the Bridge which spans the Creek. Gold has been found throughout the course of the bed of this Creek in payable quantities. The diggers, as may be seen in the photograph, have constructed sluices in the side of the embankment for the purpose of washing the fine gold contained in the wash-dirt.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), sailor's creek (vic), gold mining (vic)

Panning dishes were used for washing fine gold from river sediments or from the residue trapped in cradles and puddling tubs. They were often used on the edge of streams/rivers to sift gold from alluvial soil or crushed quartz. This simple pan would have been filled with sand and gravel which might have contained gold. The pan was submerged in the water and shaken to sort the gold from the gravel and other material, with the lighter material gradually being washed over the lip until only the heavy deposits, such as gold, remained at the bottom. (ref. Museum Victoria) This pan was used by George Henry Douglas Russell Snr. As a young man prior to his enlistment in WW1 he panned for gold using this dish. During the war he became a vet sergeant in charge of horse lines.Gold panning is the oldest and simplest method of extracting gold. Gold pans had widespread use in alluvial gold fields where water is available. This item is an example of the type of pan commonly used on Victorian gold fields.A circular dull metal panning dish which has a wide rolled top lip which tapers down to a smaller diameter for the base which is flat. The pan has been made from ironmetal which has a coating of another metal with a matte grey finish. It has a small hanging hole and a reinforcing ring all around the top.russell-doug gold-panning mining

During the early 1900s little girls' dresses were fashioned on the style worn by older women. Girls dresses were knee length with trimmings of lace and ribbon. Collars were often removable for ease of washing. Leather lace-up boots and woollen stocking or socks were usually worn with these dresses. A pinafore or apron would be worn over the dresses to help keep them clean. Girls' hair was kept long, with curls and tied with ribbons.Boys' clothing was fashioned on sailor suits, blouses/shirts with a collar and trousers or knickerbockers. Woollen jackets, shirts and ties were suitable attire for older boys. Children's fashion of this time was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. Because of the long distance to haberdashery stores, the majority of children's garments would have been hand made by a local seamstress, mother or relation.Black and white photo of a family with 5 children in the foreground with trees in the background.children's clothing

Francis John Newberry founded the Victoria Foundry and Enameling Works in 1890 with a workmate from the Humbles iron foundry in Lupton Street Geelong where he worked. Newberry & Walker Foundry & Enameling Works was built adjoining a cottage that was to be the home of the Newberry family during the ensuing years. Although Walker soon relocated to New Zealand, the Newberry and Walker foundry had become a local success. The foundry produced numerous cast iron products such as washing copper frames, and friezes, balustrades and verandah columns. Verandah posts are to be found in declining numbers, but the Newberry and Walker mark can sometimes be seen on the few which remain. A certain number of iron culvert posts were also made; some of them were still in place on the road to Cressy as late as 1961. Perhaps half the iron friezes on Geelong West verandahs came from the local firm’s foundry. A significant item made in Geelong giving a snapshot into the early beginnings of Victoria's industrial manufacturing of products that helped to replace previously imported items from England or America.Copper boiling tub, cast iron frame copper bowl inside of 14 gallon capacity Newberry & Walkerflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, copper, cast iron, newberry & walker, washing copper frame, laundry, dairy, butchering

A washboard is a tool designed for hand washing clothing. With mechanized cleaning of clothing becoming more common by the end of the 20th century. The traditional washboard is usually constructed with a rectangular wooden frame in which are mounted a series of ridges or corrugations for the clothing to be rubbed upon. For 19th-century washboards, the ridges were often of wood; by the 20th century, ridges of metal were more common. A "fluted" metal washboard was patented in the United States by Stephen Rust in 1833. Zinc washboards were manufactured in the United States from the middle of the 19th century. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, ridges of galvanized steel are most common. Clothes are soaked in hot soapy water in a wash tub or sink, then squeezed and rubbed against the ridged surface of the washboard to force the cleaning fluid through the cloth to carry away dirt. A significant item for cleaning clothes still in use today in many countries giving a snapshot into the domestic life of a housewife.Washboard wooden rectangular with wood grid and 2 legsNoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clothes washing, cleaning, 19th century washing appliances, scrub board, washboard

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used for storage as well as transporting heavier items. The base has been reinforced with two thick boards that allow the basket to hold more weight than regular baskets, and this also allows it to sit higher and the contents slightly above ground level.1 deep cane basket with two side handlesemployment

Wash trough wooden of 2 tubs and attached wooden wringer (or mangle) with hand winding mechanism and rubber rollers. Inscription on ringer.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wash trough, wringer, mangle, laundry, domestic, cleaning, washing

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. A milk bottle basket was designed for milkmen to deliver their wares quickly from door to door, without the bottles impacting upon each other. The milk basket was made in the basket shop of the RVIB for use in the organisation. It was used to carry milk bottles, then containers to the various tea rooms and could have been part of the kitchen equipment for the RVIBCane basket with handle and dividers to carry milk bottlesroyal victorian institute for the blind, equipment, employment

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Contract of sale dated 31st March, 1958 between Mrs. C. M. Cunningham (vendor) and Mr. J. E. & Mrs. D. L. Preece (purchaser). Solicitor for vendor: E. S. Cahill & Son, View Street, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: H. E. Every, Pall Mall, Bendigo. Property: 177 McIntyre Street, Bendigo land containing 1 rood having a frontage of 100 links by a depth of 250 links being allotment 116 section A Ironbark Gully City of Bendigo land described in deed of conveyance no. 942 book 642, together with all floor coverings, blinds, curtains and electric light fittings and shades and "Turner” washing machine. Price: 2,550 pounds. Attached Statement pursuant to section 14 of the estate agents act 1956, Engagement in writing pursuant to section 33 of the estate agents act 1956 and 2 hand written notes.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale dated 27th March, 1958 between Mr. V. V. & Mrs R. M. Wodetzki (vendor) and Mr. L. J. & Mrs. T. M. Pascoe (purchaser). Solicitor for vendor: Watson, James & Rogers, Bull Street, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: Watson, James & Rogers, Bull Street, Bendigo. Property 4 Malcom Street, Bendigo being lot 5 on plan of subdivision No. 22158(?) lodged in the office of titles and being part of Crown allotment8 and 9 section 165C land described in certificate of title volume 7597 folio 005(?), together with all floor coverings, blinds, curtains, electric light fittings and shades with the exception of crystal hade in the hall. "Shor" washing machine, "Masters" early electric stove. Price: 6,200 pounds. Attached Statement pursuant to section 34 of the estate agents act 1956 and 4 hand written notes.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Diggers & Mining. Getting the Gold. Slide: MEMS FROM THE MOUNT - But in spite of all these wonderful golden discoveries, day after day, the grand desideratum is wanting - water, and with the amazing population rushing into these fields. I am surely afraid of very serious consequences arising . . . . As much as 30s. a barrel is now being paid I some of these gullies for water, and the price is likely to increase. Near to every tent you will see great heaps of washing stuff up, waiting for the first rains; one friend of mine has 400 cartloads this piled up, which he calculates will yield about 3 ounces to the load, and he and his mates still keep adding to their monstrous heap. (M.M.H., June 14, 1853.) . . .while others would spend the dry weeks heaping up ''stuff'' to be treated when the stream flowed again Markings: 68 994.LIF:4. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

This washboard is relatively "young" in that the timber has not "aged," however it could have been used by a rural family to wash "delicate" clothing which could not be placed within a large family washing machine or "copper". This type of washboard i.e. glass washboard, was used extensively during the war periods, 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945 when corrugated metal was in scarce supply. Rural areas were the last sectors in Australia where washboards where, through necessity( droughts and lack of domestic water), used up until the late 1900s. This lingering usage was due to the fact that rural properties, on the whole, had water supplies sourced from farm dams and be the ones whose priority feed was targeting crops and farm animals before clothes and other domestic requirements. In the two millennium however, most rural areas are well stocked with water supplies and the very strict edict of conserving water, especially during droughts, of earlier times is not so critical.The Kiewa Valley although well supplied by rivers, streams and artesian water does occasionally through severe drought lack of water for farm domestic washing requirements.This washboard is made of a wooden frame and glass insert (corrugated on one side and smooth on the other). The washboard glass panel is contained within the wooden frame by routered grooves. The frame extends beyond the glass to form two legs below the glass insert and a hand grip above it. This hand grip allows for one hand to hold the washboard firmly upright and one hand to rub clothes vigorously (up and down) against the glass ridges.This action combined with a soap and water based freeing agent loosen any dirt particles which can be rinsed off. The appearance of this washboard is basic but does not detract from its effectiveness. The lack of "wear and tear" on the wooden frame suggest limited use. The construction suggests good workmanship even though there is no manufacturer's logo to be found on it.hand washing, household washing, domestic clothes washing, laundry